B12 Shortfall?

No doubt you’ve heard of the B complex vitamins. They’re a group of eight water-soluble vitamins.

In general, B vitamins are responsible for cell metabolism; healthy brain cells; supporting nervous system and immune system functions; cardiovascular and respiratory health; proper circulation; mental outlook; healthy cholesterol levels; fighting off free radicals; support for the formation of red blood cells; making energy from the foods you eat; muscle tone and even for healthy hair and skin as well as overall energy and endurance levels.†

Vitamin B12, also a water-soluble B vitamin, is known as the “memory vitamin.” The brain requires it for mental clarity, healthy neurological function and to combat stress.† It is also necessary for proper red blood cell formation, for proper DNA synthesis, for helping to create the sleep hormone melatonin and for the “mood” hormone serotonin†—among other things.

You don’t want to come up short on B12, and because it’s water soluble, it needs to be replenished regularly, if not daily. Food sources of vitamin B12 are found in animal products such as fish, beef, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products. Unfortunately, vitamin B12 is not generally found in plant foods. That can make getting enough vitamin B12 a challenge for vegans and vegetarians, and there are approximately 23 million people on a vegan- or vegetarian-inclined diet.

That’s why vegans and vegetarians—as well as others who don’t get enough vitamin B12—are often encouraged to supplement their diet with vitamin B12 in ways that meet their needs. However, not all vitamin B12 supplements are alike and are not equally absorbable in the body.

So, if you are considering a vitamin B12 supplement, then you will want to know that, according to the Physician’s Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements, oral absorption—spraying into the mouth and swallowing—can be more effective than other forms of delivery.

Why? Sprays can activate the salivary glands more effectively, allowing the vitamin B12 to enter the bloodstream rapidly and efficiently. Likewise, the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 is the most absorbable form of vitamin B12.

Do you have a vitamin B12 shortfall?

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This information is intended for educational and informational
purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination
or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine
diagnosis or course of treatment.